The Fifth Seal

The role of testimony in Celebrate Recovery is central to the ministry plan for providing hope in a difficult time of change. Live testimony offers hope for the Newcomer, the person in recovery, and experienced leaders. This Monday at Triumph Julia will be sharing her story of ongoing struggles throughout her teenage years with eventual victory as an adult. We hope you can attend.

As we continue to read through Revelation the testimony theme is present in chapter 6. In the first verse (Rev. 6:1) John reminds us Jesus is on the throne of heaven and is the one who has the power to judge creation. The symbol of the Lamb, for Jesus, and the seals, for judgement, convey this truth.

Then in verse 9 John explains:

Revelation 6:9 (CSB)

9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered because of the word of God and the testimony they had given.

According to Rev. 6:9 the souls of the martyrs are with Christ beneath the altar that stands before the throne of God in heaven (see also Rev. 7:9). Long white garments adorn the ones who are waiting there for the fulfillment of their numbers. The saving relationship with Jesus placed them there, and the open testimony is what the world persecuted.

Testimony is powerful in two ways. First, when it is the truth about the relationship you have with Christ it means you can look ahead to be placed under the alter before the throne of God. Second, while it may be difficult and even bring some persecution, your testimony demonstrates a holding on to the love of God through challenge. It is in this unwavering display that the hope of the Gospel message is passed along.